Chair cushion with pockets

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to a seat cushion made of a foam cushion enclosed in fabric. The foam cushion is inserted into the fabric through an opening defined through the fabric and placed on top of a chair&#39;s seat. The fabric also contains integral opposing pockets where personal articles and items can be held. The pockets lie to the left and right side of the seat and the back panel lies to the back of the seat once the cushion is secured to the chair. The fabric contains ties that secure the cushion to the back legs of the chair. The integral back panel can be a pocket on the seat slip cover. The seat slip cover can cover the entire length of the back spine of a chair, the entire length of the back legs of a chair or the entire length of all the legs of a chair.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/066,461 filed Oct. 29, 2013 andalso claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Design Application No.29/417,569 filed Apr. 5, 2012. The disclosure of each of theaforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for any purpose whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments

The disclosed embodiments relate to seat cushions and slip covers forchairs used in recreational and entertainment venues.

2. Background of the Disclosure

Traditional slip covers known in the art, such as those that coverentire couches, sofas or love seats are generally without any functionother than to change the appearance and look of the furniture.Similarly, conventional chair pads are made of fabric covered cushionsthat either are placed on or tied to a chair and also generally onlychange the appearance of the chair. Traditional slip covers do notenhance an individual's seating experience. Conventional chair pads mayprovide little comfort but they are flimsy at best.

Other types of seat covers known in the art concern the automobileindustry. Such seat covers surround a car's seat's cushion where theseat and the cushion are attached to the car. Such seat covers are notintended to cover chairs or seats that can be moved or rearranged suchas those chairs or seats found at indoor and outdoor receptions, galas,halls and auction houses.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In general, in a first aspect, the disclosure features a seat cushionmade of a foam cushion which is enclosed in fabric. The cushion can beinserted into the fabric through an opening defined through the fabricand placed on top of a chair's seat. The fabric also can containintegral opposing pockets where personal articles and items can be held.The pockets can be disposed to the left and right side of the seat. Aback panel can be disposed at the back of the seat once the cushion issecured to the chair. The fabric can include ties that secure thecushion to the back legs of the chair. The disclosure also provides aseat slip covering made of fabric which covers the back spine of a chairand either the back legs of the chair or all the legs of the chair, suchthat the fabric touches the floor. The seat slip cover includes anintegral back panel pocket for the insertion of personal articles anditems. The back panel pocket can be positioned at any point on the slipcover. Side pockets can be included on the seat slip cover.

The fabric covered cushion can fit directly onto a chiavari chair, forexample, without a need for separate fasteners or tools. In anotherembodiment, the cushion can be configured to fit various models ofchairs or can be measured or made to order depending on the style ormodel of chair. The cushion can be slipped into the fabric through anopening defined in the fabric. The inserted cushion allows the fabric tobe taut which allows the design of the fabric to be more apparent. Thefabric opening, into which the cushion is inserted preferably facesdownwardly toward the seat portion of the chair. The fabric can also beconfigured with two fabric ties which can be integrally connected to thefabric covering the cushion. The ties can be integral to the fabric andcan be tied around the wooden frame of the chiavari chair, or othertypes of chairs, where the seating platform meets the back chair legs.In another embodiment, additional ties can be integral to the fabric orotherwise be attached to the cushion. The amount of fabric ties isdependent on the chair or the cushion desired. In addition, the type andamount of ties may be dependent on the desire of the consumer or thedesire of the reception venue.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and are intended to providefurther explanation of the disclosed embodiments. The accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of thisspecification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosed methods and systems. Together with thedescription, the drawings serve to explain principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustrative side view of the seat cushion with sidepockets and a back panel installed on a chair.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative side view of the seat cushion with sidepockets and a back panel installed on a chair.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of a slip cover installed on a chair withan exterior pocket positioned on the midway point of the slip cover.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of a slip cover installed on a chair withan exterior pocket positioned on the upper back panel of the slip cover.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of a slip cover installed on a chaircovering only the top portion of a chair.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of the slip cover installed on a chairwith exterior side pockets.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative perspective view of the seat cushion installedon a chair.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative front view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative rear view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative left side view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative right side view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative top view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 13 is an illustrative bottom view of the seat cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The majority of chairs used at formal and informal and indoor andoutdoor receptions, galas, and other like functions are typicallychiavari brand chairs. Such chairs have a unique design and function.The special design of the chiavari chair is achieved by structuralsections. Each component is designed according to the specific stressesit will carry. The seat portion of the chiavari chair is made with thinstrips of willow wood and is often deemed uncomfortable especially whena person sits for extended periods of time. Similar chairs often havewooden bases for a seat platform and typically lack comfort. Other partsof the chiavari chair and other chairs used at such functions are madeof resin and metal which add to the discomfort for an individualsitting. The present application addresses this discomfort problem bycreating a comfortable seat cushion coupled with the functional use ofpockets and panels for retaining important objects and belongings.

Applicant has also come to appreciate that at indoor or outdoorreceptions or parties, guests, often are without a place to store theirclutches, personal belongings and the like. As a result, receptiontables are often cluttered. Aggravating this situation, if a drinkspills or food falls, the risk of damage to a person's belongings thatare situated on the table is very real. Also, at such events andreceptions, the belongings of guests are often placed on the floor. Thiscan lead to other guests kicking and subsequently damaging thesebelongings or an individual's belongings can be lost. A cluttered tableor floor also disrupts the form and ambiance of the event and can beunsafe. Moreover, in an outdoor event, wind can be problematic as it canblow items away (e.g. napkin).

Embodiments of the present disclosure address these concerns byproviding a seat cushion and slip cover with pockets that are able tohold and protect the important, sentimental and sometimes expensiveitems an individual brings to a reception, party, gala or otherfunction.

For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, as shown in FIG. 1, achair 50 is shown with the seat cushion 40 connected to the chair 50 viafabric ties 30. The fabric covering the seat cushion includes threeexterior panels. The first panel 10A is integrally attached to thefabric which covers the seat cushion 40 and includes a pocket 10A and ispositioned on the exterior of the chair to the left of a person's sidewhen seated. As shown in FIG. 2, the right panel is integrally attachedto the fabric which covers the cushion and includes a pocket 10B whichis positioned on the exterior of the chair to the right of a personsside when seated. As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the third panel 20 isintegrally attached to the fabric which covers the cushion and ispositioned on the exterior of the chair near the back of a person whenseated. In another embodiment, the third panel 20 can include a pocket.In another embodiment, the fabric panel pockets 10A, 10B can beintegrally attached to the seat cushion 40. The fabric used for coveringthe seat cushion insert and the fabric ties is polyester. However, anyfabric can be used.

The cushion can be made from a polyurethane, environmentally safe,high-density, and high purity foam. Depending on the make of the chair,the seat cushion can be of any desired length, width, depth or taperedfrom front to back. Additional seat cushion thicknesses and heights canbe made depending on desired comfort. The cushion can be taken out ofthe fabric and the fabric can be washed.

The measurements of the seat cushion match the measurements of thechiavari chair or whatever chair the seat cushion is intended for, andcan be, for example as follows: 2″ thickness; 16″ length; and 16 totalwidth but the cushion begins to taper down towards the rear of the seatat about 13″ of the width. The measurements of the fabric panel pockets10A, 10B can be, for example, as follows: 13″ in length; 8″ inheight/width; and contain an interior pocket depth of 5″. The pocketsare 8″ in depth and can expand to accommodate a variety of objects.Depending on the make and model of the chair and the desire of theindividual hosting a party at a reception venue, the pocket can be ofany length, width or depth. The pockets can preferably hold up to 2pounds each in weight without disturbing the other empty pocket or seatcushion.

The pocket is preferably capable of receiving multiple items, such as:auction bidding paddles, clutches, wallets, umbrellas, evening bags,menus, party favors, programs, playbills, cell phones, and cameras. Inanother embodiment, the pocket can be sealed via hook and loopfasteners, snaps, zippers, magnets or other fastener means. The fabricpanel or pockets can be various colors and sizes and are preferablyaesthetically pleasing. The exterior design of the pocket can bedecorative such as an inverted box pleat and may also contain pipingdetails or other adornments.

Any fabric can be used for the pocket, panel and to cover the cushion.The fabric can be, for example, velvet, taffeta, or polyester. In apreferred embodiment, the fabric can be made of a high quality,upholstery-grade bengaline fabric. Heavy duty polyester stitching can beused everywhere to ensure the ties do not detach from the fabric. Thefabric of the pockets can be of a heavier thread count or fabric grade,so as to receive heavier objects such that the seat cushion can remainon the chair whether a person is sitting on the seat cushion or not.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fabric panel pocket 32 is integrally attached tothe fabric which includes a slip cover 36. The slip cover 36 fitsdirectly over the full length of the spine backing of a chiavari chair34 (or other chair). The slip cover 36 proceeds down to the floor suchas to create a skirt around the back two chair legs of the bottom of thechair 38. As shown in FIG. 3, the back panel pocket 32 is located in themidway portion of the slip cover in a position slightly above theseating platform. In another embodiment, the slip cover as shown in FIG.3 may include a back panel pocket positioned slightly below the seatingplatform of the chair. The pocket 32, similar to the seat cushionpockets can hold individual belongings and items of importance. Similarto the fabric covering the cushion inserts, the slip covers can be madeof various fabric types, colors and designs for aesthetic reasons.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slip cover 48 fits directly over the full lengthof the spine backing of a chiavari chair 44 (or any other make and modelof chair), covers the seating platform of the chair and all four legs ofthe chair 44, and proceeds to create a skirt at the bottom 46 of thechair 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the back panel pocket 42 is positioned onthe upper portion of the fabric of the slip cover 48. The pocket 42,similar to the seat cushion pockets, can hold individual belongings anditems of importance.

As shown in FIG. 5, the slip cover 56 covers only the top portion of theback of the chair 54. In FIG. 5, the pocket 52 is located slightly abovewhere the seating platform meets the back legs of the chair 54. Inanother embodiment, the length of the slip cover can be raised orlowered on the chairs spine depending on the individual's preferences.Likewise, the back panel pocket 52 can be positioned at any desiredlocation on the slip cover 56.

In another embodiment, the slip covers shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 mayinclude side pockets on either side of the seat platform. In anotherembodiment, the slip cover shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 may be used inconjunction with the aforementioned and described seat cushion whereinthe seat cushion is still tied to the back legs where the seat meets theback legs of the chair.

Similar to FIG. 4, the slip cover 68 as shown in FIG. 6, covers theentire chair 64. The slip covers the back spine of the chair, theseating platform of the chair and proceeds down to the bottom of thechair 66, thereby creating a skirt around the four legs of the chair.The slip cover 68 in FIG. 6 includes side pockets 62 (right side pocketnot shown). Similar to the seat cushion pockets, all slip cover pocketsare configured to retain personal belongings of individuals atreceptions, galas, auctions and the like.

In another embodiment, the cushion or the fabric may be equipped with anadhesive or high friction layer (e.g. rubber or silicone) on it'sunderside that can be adhered to the chair's seating platform or thechair's existing cushion. In any scenario, the seat cushion preferablyprovides greater comfort to the individual while providing a feeling ofsecurity that their personal items and belongings are protected andsecure.

In another embodiment, the seat cushion can include two side pockets andnot have a back panel. FIG. 7 shows a seat cushion 70 with only sidepockets installed on the chair 78. The first panel 72 is integrallyattached to fabric of the seat cushion 70 and includes a pocket 74. Whenthe seat cushion 70 is installed on the chair 78, the first panel 72 ispositioned on the exterior of the chair 78 to the left of a person'sside when seated. The second panel 76 is integrally attached to fabricof the seat cushion 70 and includes a pocket (not shown). When the seatcushion 70 is installed on the chair 78, the second panel 76 ispositioned on the exterior of the chair 78 to the right of a person'sside when seated. The seat cushion includes fabric ties 73 which, whenthe seat cushion 70 is installed on a chair 78, are tied where theseating platform meets the spine of the chair 78.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a seat cushion 80. The ties 81, the left sidepanel 82 and left side pocket 83, and the right side panel 84 and theright side pocket 85 are shown. FIG. 9 is a rear view of a seat cushion80. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the left side and right side views of theseat cushion 80, respectively. FIG. 12 shows the top view of the seatcushion 80. FIG. 13 shows the bottom view of the seat cushion 80. Thebottom of the seat cushion 80 includes a horizontal opening 1302 for acushion to be inserted into the fabric 1304.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments ofthe disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure.

In the disclosure hereof any element expressed as a means for performinga specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing thatfunction. Applicants thus regard any means which can provide thosefunctionalities as equivalent to those shown herein. It is intended thatthe present disclosure include modifications and variations that arewithin the scope of the subject disclosure and equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat cushion comprising: integral opposingpockets for insertion of a plurality of articles and items; and aplurality of integral ties for attaching a cushion to a chair; whereinthe inserted fabric covered cushion is positioned on top of the seatingplatform of the chair; wherein the opposing pockets are positionedexterior to the left and right side of the seating platform; and whereinthe plurality of integral ties secure the cushion to the back legs ofthe chair.
 2. The seat cushion of claim 1, wherein the chair is achiavari chair.